On the 70th anniversary of the 1955 Bandung Conference, an event took place on April 15, in commemoration, sponsored by China’s National Institute of International Strategy and the Institute of West-Asian and African Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Global Times interviewed participants “to explore how the Bandung Spirit still resonates across today’s Global South.” The sentiments reflect the intentions of the Schiller Institute and the International Peace Coalition.
Djauhari Oratmangun, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to China and Mongolia, offered that the Bandung Conference was called “to reject colonialism, champion self-determination and declare that no nation, no matter how small, should be left behind. They did not just call for change; they demanded a new, more just world order.
“In our contemporary world, the challenges that confront us are complex and multifaceted. Protectionism is on the rise, geopolitical divisions are deepening and economic uncertainties threaten to unravel the structures that were designed to promote fairness and stability. These modern-day trials compel us to ask: Do we allow history to repeat the mistakes of the past, or do we boldly reclaim and reinvigorate the noble ideals that were conceived in Bandung? The answer lies in unity and resolute action. Indonesia and China, both pivotal players in the Global South, stand at a crossroads where the legacies of our shared history and the imperatives of the future converge.
“We must advocate for a global order where development is not the privilege of a select few, but a right enjoyed by all. We need a system that prizes inclusive growth and upholds the dignity and prosperity of every nation and its people.
“We must embark on several key initiatives: First, let us strengthen infrastructure connectivity and promote digital transformation across all regions. Second, enhancing food and energy security remains paramount. Third, there is an urgent need to reform global governance structures and financial institutions to reflect the shifting balance of power and ensure fairer participation by all nations.”
Endalkachew Sime, former state minister of the Planning and Development Commission of Ethiopia, said: “The most important lesson from the Bandung Conference is that the Global South is once again being reminded to stand together during these turbulent times. This season is a time for us to reflect on our unity as players in the Global South. The Bandung Conference serves as a reminder of how we can pursue a better form of multilateralism, one that benefits people across the globe. That, I believe, is the major message to take away from this gathering.
“Global growth opportunities are increasingly emerging in the Global South. Africa is the youngest continent. The economic cooperation between China and Africa, when examined in detail, reveals that the future lies with the Global South. This is an important lesson for the rest of the world: to cooperate with the Global South in building a common future.
“The rise of the Global South should not be seen as a competition. Instead, it is a complementary cooperation. The Global South and Global North either swim together or sink together. The unidirectional path we’ve followed for many years is no longer viable. The Global South is more than ready to cooperate with the Global North - and the Global North also has to be prepared to cooperate with the Global South. That is the only way we can jointly shape a shared destiny and a common future.
“Looking to the future, the Bandung Conference laid the foundation for South-South Cooperation. In the last several years especially, through the Belt and Road Initiative, we’ve witnessed numerous successes in countries across Africa and the Global South….”
